Report: KWS goes jai jagannath!!! iskcon raath yatra

Location: Raja Subodh Mullick Square or Wellington Square

Date: 4th of July, 2008

Members Present:
1.Sudip
2.Suman
3.Shamim
4.Aparna
5.Diganta (Dizzie)

TAG: KWS04072008RAATHYATRA

This is perhaps the first photo shoot in the history of KWS that a shoot is being held on the Weekdays. It was late last night, that this programme got conceived and finalised. I called aparna and abhijit da late at night to ask them whether we are going or not. I will confirm that since many members were present, and all of the active members, who have provided us with their contact numbers were informed, hence this is being “converted” as an official shoot. We met in front of the “Raath”. The extent of the activity was overwhelming. It was so full of life. Immediately we went out shooting. We had so so so many chances. The sheer number of the devotes made shooting a little uncomfortable. But this can always be granted as a new experience. The idols were taken out from the shrine and taken to their chariots. Various rituals were performed. And many were singing kirtans. And the life in that, was exceptional. It was contagious. One couldn't help but dance with them. I don't know about the others, but I certainly did swing to the beat!
There were many tablos. They were depicting various gospels from the ancient texts. We had food after that. We really did need that. Shamim da joined us in between. Hardly had we completed the food did the raath start to roll. We had many opportunities then. People were dancing, pulling the chariot. There was animation everywhere. People were really having a great time. And what a divine time it was!!! We were moving along with the chariots. Taking photos, pulling the chariots, dancing with them. We were one of them today, and it really felt great!! By the time the charoits reached Moulali, I was out of batteries, the others, out of gas. We parted with the chariots, thinking of all the pics we took and the special experience that we had.

Regards,
Suman